Vegetation Analysis in the Archaeological Area of Pasargadae WHS (Iran) Enhancing the Naturalistic Value of the Site within the Occurring Environmental Changes

A pioneering vegetation analysis of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Pasargadae (Iran) reveals seven distinct plant communities shaped by environmental, edaphic, and anthropogenic factors. The study identifies key bioindicator species such as Launaea acanthodes and Stipa barbata, which reflect ecological gradients and human interventions, including water resource management. Hilly grassland communities were found to host the highest diversity of conservation-significant plants, emphasizing their critical need for protection. Climate data indicates increasing xeric conditions due to dam construction and irrigation, underscoring the urgency of preserving Pasargadae's naturalistic and historical values. This research provides a framework for integrating vegetation analysis into site management strategies amid environmental change.

Zangari, G., Hosseini, Z., & Caneva, G. (2024). Vegetation Analysis in the Archaeological Area of Pasargadae WHS (Iran) Enhancing the Naturalistic Value of the Site within the Occurring Environmental Changes. Sustainability, 16(9), 3784. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093784